{"id":24967,"date":"2016-11-15T09:56:47","date_gmt":"2016-11-15T13:56:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikepacking.com\/?p=24967"},"modified":"2023-05-29T14:36:22","modified_gmt":"2023-05-29T18:36:22","slug":"guide-to-bikepacking-bags","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikepacking.com\/plan\/guide-to-bikepacking-bags\/","title":{"rendered":"The Complete Guide to Bikepacking Bags"},"content":{"rendered":"

Below you’ll find our guide to bikepacking bags and packing. It’s divided into four sections. Part one, The Basics<\/em>, opens with definitions for each type of bag or pack, with tips on what to look for when purchasing. Part 2, Six Example Kits<\/em>, outlines a variety bikepacking bag kits with specific bag recommendations, based on our own experiences. Part three, How We Pack<\/em>, offers packing tips as well as notes from five seasoned bikepackers including Joe Cruz, Cass Gilbert, Lael Wilcox, and Skyler Des Roches. And part four, Bag Makers<\/em> is a list of companies wordwide that make bikepacking bags, what they make, and where it’s fabricated.<\/p>\n

The Basics<\/h2>\n
Given that this is our complete guide<\/em> to bikepacking bags, we\u2019ll begin with a few definitions for beginners. Let\u2019s first clarify the difference between bikepacking and bike touring. Although neither are mutually exclusive \u2014 and there\u2019s inevitably plenty of overlap \u2014 the two often diverge in the style of travel they encourage. Traditional touring tends to be enjoyed on heavily laden bikes, and as a result, often gravitates towards paved routes and byways. Minimal in style, modern bikepacking is based more on the exploration of off-pavement roads, backcountry trails, and singletrack. Furthermore, the two are largely differentiated by the style of bag setup they\u2019re associated with, and the bikes that are used. Traditional touring uses racks and panniers; as a result, touring bikes bikes are designed for this purpose. The beauty of bikepacking is in its simplicity: any bike can be a bikepacking bike. Thanks to the advent of soft bags, bikepacking doesn\u2019t depend on a particular frame having eyelets for racks and panniers. Full-suspension, carbon, ‘cross, hardtail, fat, rigid \u2014 almost any bike will do. And as loads are lighter than a pannier-style setup, standard wheelsets and even gear ranges are often fine too, depending on terrain. And what has motivated this shift in touring style? The most significant gear innovation that has helped popularise bikepacking is the commercial availability of bike-specific soft bags. Bikepackers can now enjoy lighter and less cumbersome kits, ones that won’t add significantly to their bike’s weight, or affecting its handling.<\/p>\n

Naturally, there are downsides too; bikepacking bags require more considered packing than panniers, carrying capacity is more limited, and until you hone your \u2018system\u2019, what to pack and where can initially feel over complicated or fussy. But trust us. For the most part, the joys of riding with a lightweight, minimal rig \u2014 and the terrain such a setup will encourage you to explore \u2014 more than makes up for these compromises.\n<\/p><\/div>\n\"Bikepacking<\/a>\n

Which brings us onto the guide. Below, we\u2019ll outline the basics of each type of bag, demonstrate six levels of bikepacking kits, reference relevant links to reviews and recommended gear, and share some insight to how we pack.<\/p>\n

But before we start, let\u2019s get the terminology down. A bikepacking bag kit typically consists of a frame pack, a handlebar bag or harness, a seat pack and several smaller peripheral bags that live on the frame, handlebars and forks, helping to spread weight across the bike. Here are definitions and pointers for each:<\/p>\n

Frame Packs<\/h2>\n

The frame pack was conceived to allow storage within a bike\u2019s triangle – the space formed by the top tube, seat tube and downtube. It\u2019s usually lashed on by a series of velcro straps. Frame packs are available for both full suspension, hardtail and rigid bikes alike. While ideally each is custom made to fit a snugly within a bike\u2019s unique frame, there are some universally sized bags commercially available that will fit most bikes. The frame bag is an excellent place to store heavier items as it maintains a low center of gravity, though smaller frames and full suspension will have more limited capacities. If you want to keep the option of mounting two water bottle cages, there are half\/partial -framebags available too. See below for details. <\/p>\n